Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship to Honor 2025 Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame Inductees

Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship to Honor 2025 Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame Inductees

ST. LOUIS - The Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship at Saint Louis University will hold its 2025 Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame induction ceremony at a dinner on Friday, Nov. 14, at the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business.

The Hall of Fame recognizes exceptional entrepreneurs affiliated with Saint Louis University who have made significant contributions to society and the economy through entrepreneurial leadership in corporate and independent ventures, as well as in public, civic, and social organizations. The 2025 Hall of Fame honorees are Don Vitale and George Brill.

In addition to the Hall of Fame inductees, the Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship will honor two younger entrepreneurs. Luke Thorburg will be honored as the Young Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year, and Caiden Gagliano as the 2025 Student Entrepreneur of the Year.

Jim Roche will be honored as the 2025 D. Graeme Thomas Mentor of the Year.

Don Vitale, CSB '61, '68

Damon "Don" S. Vitale (CSB '61; '68) is managing partner of Manchester Capital, LLC and a business leader based in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Early in his career, he managed 3M subsidiaries in Brazil and the Philippines. He also was Division President of several manufacturing businesses of AMCA International. Later, he led a group that did a leverage buyout of one of those divisions, DESA International.

During the past 25 years, he has managed his own private equity company, Manchester Capital, and served on numerous Boards of Director. He has been instrumental in regional economic development and entrepreneurship throughout the South-Central, Kentucky area. Vitale's dedication to business innovation and community leadership reflects the mission of the Chaifetz School of Business and Saint Louis University.

George Brill, SSE '85

George Brill (SSE '85) is the founder and chief executive officer of Talisen Technologies, Inc., a St. Louis-based enterprise technology firm specializing in secure systems integration and large-scale sustainability platforms. After graduating from Saint Louis University with a degree in aeronautical engineering, Brill began his career as a structural engineer with the U.S. Navy and McDonnell Douglas before launching Talisen in 1991. Under his leadership, Talisen has grown into a leading provider of enterprise solutions for clients across government, healthcare, and energy sectors, recognized for innovation in smart building and sustainability data management.

An engaged SLU alumnus, Brill serves on the Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship Advisory Board at the Chaifetz School of Business, where he supports programs that connect student innovators with industry and promote entrepreneurial education. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to advancing technology, fostering innovation, and strengthening the St. Louis business community.

Luke Thorburg, CSB '22

Luke Thorburg is a digital-first entrepreneur and a graduate of Saint Louis University's MBA program. As the co-founder of Street Talk (formerly Bolt Ads and 203 Media), a rapidly growing media and advertising agency, Thorburg is helping shape how modern brands connect with audiences in the digital age. Through Street Talk, Luke and his team have partnered with global brands including Dr. Squatch, Monopoly Games, and Athletic Greens, as well as a wide range of emerging companies, AI platforms, and software products.

Their innovative approach to modern advertising has been featured in The Wall Street Journal. Their work centers on creating authentic content that helps brands stand out in an increasingly crowded online world and better connect with consumers. Driven by creativity, data, and a deep understanding of what captures attention in today's fast-moving digital landscape, Thorburg has built a reputation as a forward-thinking advertiser whose entrepreneurial vision bridges the gap between storytelling and technology.

Caiden Gagliano

Caiden Gagliano is a senior Biomedical Engineering student at Saint Louis University and the project lead for a therapeutic medical device designed to reduce post-surgical muscle atrophy.

Inspired by his own experiences recovering from multiple knee surgeries as a wrestler, he developed a passion for creating solutions that enhance rehabilitation outcomes for patients. Through this project, Gagliano has collaborated with clinicians and mentors to design early-stage prototypes and explore commercialization opportunities through SLU's entrepreneurship programs.

About the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business

Founded in 1910, the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business at Saint Louis University has shaped the future of industry for more than a century. As one of the oldest business schools west of the Mississippi, the Chaifetz School has built a reputation as a leader in business education committed to innovation, inclusion and impact and recognized with eight undergraduate and graduate programs nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report.